1 week until surgery and I'm feeling stressed and anxious- advice please!

@SusieM55

You totally understand your worries. I had my right hip replaced last year and they're totally normal.

You will be fine.

The first few weeks you'll be wondering if you made the right choice but you have. 10 days after you'll have your stitches out and life will feel better.

Take each day as it comes.

Do your physio

Take your painkillers

Remember it's a marathon and not a sprint race to recovery

There are lots of us on here who have gone through this

If you need any advice on here just shout out and you'll get the advice you need.

Good luck

Trish xx

Hi @SusieM55, I had my hip replacement 4 weeks ago and like you was really worried before the op. I'd already deferred it because I wasn't ready before. It's natural to be concerned, especially when they give you the long list of potential complications (although most of them are very unlikely). But I am now so glad I went ahead. Before, I'd got to the stage where I could hardly walk and my sleep was seriously disrupted. Now I can walk for 20 mins at a time, with occasional pauses. Although I haven't got used to sleeping on my back, at least this is only temporary.

As Trish says, take the advice of your doctors and physios, do the exercises and take the meds they give you. And pace yourself.

I found the first 2 weeks after coming home were the most difficult, but they do pass quickly. If you can get any help from friends and neighbours for some of the more difficult tasks, that will make it easier. I'm not good at asking for help, but when I did I found people were really pleased to be able to be of some use, so I'm glad I did.

I had dissolvable stitches, so haven't even needed those removed.

I had some discomfort for a while after the op, but with the exercises and painkillers everything is now getting a lot easier. And I'm hoping in 2 weeks' time I will be able to drive again, so I can get a bit further than round the block or to and from the hospital.

Good luck with the op, keep in touch and you know we're here if you want any support.

Jane x

@SusieM55

Like you I worried about having my THR and whether I was organised enough at home beforehand. It is understandable. I had my right hip replaced just over a year ago and am due to have my left hip replaced next week! There have been some very helpful replies regarding doing the physio exercises and taking pain medication. I would just like to add that I found my grabber sticks so useful and still use them today sometimes ( I have 3 ). When coming home in the car I was a bit worried about the seat height, but improvised with cushions, also pushing the seat back further gives more room to get in and out. As mentioned we "hippies" are all here for each other so don't be afraid to ask if something is worrying you. Take care🙂

hi at SusieM55 had my right hip replaced Wed 9 and was soo nervous but all the tips from Trish and all on this site are really helpful . Re run up try to practice relaxation techniques and deep breaths when get stressed. Keep busy. Collect as much stuff as May need befire the op. Especially helpful toilet frame grabber and table by bed to hold reachable lamp etc. i put easy to wear clothes in top drawer or on side table a jug fir water glasses etc I have 3 lots round the bedroom same with painkiller . And keep a chart easy to lose track of when had last meds . Check what equipment your hisp provides also the meds they gonna send you out with as not usually as strong as been on in hosp but you won’t know this till you leave . It’s such a relief once you come round after the op and realise it’s been done after months of severe pain . First few days after are a challenge but persevere I’m only on day 4 but already feeling positive and dint refuse any offers of help. Try to have few ready meals in. I had general anaesthetic and extra spinal didn’t know a thing after pre med till came round which was my main wirry ! Also anti sickness med and do just as much as you can re physio in early days . Good luck and keep us posted

@cocoa

hi @susieM55 hope alls gone well and you have joined post op club . I am now 7 days post op and every day is different with gradual improvement each with its own challenges . Keep positive and let us know how you doing and any help needed

Hi @SusieM55, so pleased all went well with the op and that you're back home.

There will no doubt be ups and downs in the first few weeks, especially as you get the pain medication dose sorted out (and of course the sleeping). But you will find that each day gets a little better.

The first few steps outside can be a bit daunting, so it's a good idea to have someone with you for support. But it gets easier quite quickly. I'm now nearly 6 weeks post-op, walking mainly with one crutch and sleeping better. I can get back to driving from tomorrow. So after the initial stages of recovery, the time seems to have passed really quickly.

Wishing you all the best with your recovery and keep us posted.

Jane

@SusieM55 Oh I'm so glad that it went well hon. Unlike the other lovely ladies, I can't comment, yet, on recovery, but wish you a speedy recovery and better sleep. I must admit I dreaded having to sleep on my back, but it sounds like that it won't be for long. 🫂